Tanja Brandt is a German photographer who has dedicated her career towards photographing animals and wildlife.

In one of her most recent projects, Brandt shot photographs of a highly unlikely pair of friends – Ingo, the Belgian shepherd; and Poldi (Napoleon), the one-year-old owlet.

Brandt describes the relationship between Ingo and Poldi as somewhat of a ‘protector-protected’ relationship. Ingo is a guardian for Poldi, whom Brandt states “doesn’t know how to live free”.

Poldi didn’t hatch until two days after his six brothers and sisters, and has always been very vulnerable due to his size. Ingo, on the other hand, comes from a family of strong and oftentimes ruthless police dogs.

Ingo is very protective over the year-old owlet, and their bond is as strong off-camera as it appears in Tanja’s photographs.

Even though Ingo is physically stronger and protective over him, it is clear that the Poldi also takes care of his canine companion. Their friendship is ultimately mutual – they love and care for one another – and this is clear in Brandt’s photographs.

Responses to "Meet Ingo and Poldi: Tiny rescued owl and dog are madly in love"

These photographs are especially touching for my wife and I. We live on a rural ranch and have a Malinois for protection. To see Ingo with Poldi tells the true story of the breed. Mals are fierce and loving. An unusual combination but understood completely by those of us fortunate to have a Malinois in the family

Though I count numerous hunters among my friends and acquaintances, one has to wonder about the act of killing wild animals. Observation of all sorts of animals leads inevitably to the conclusion that it's not only canines (including wolves) for whom love is an indispensable part of their lives.

In today's world we often have to search for real beauty. It's elusive. Then quite unexpectedly, there it is right before us...the unnatural friendship and bond between two very different creatures who by all rights should be enemies. Would that we, the 'superior creatures', could learn from such as these.

This pair was the cutest thing I've seen in my entire life, but what I will remember most is the astounding photos that were captured to live on forever.. just too beautiful and lovable! Thanks for sharing!

These are beautiful photos of the most beautiful emotion all of us (human and nonhuman) can share: love. May this remind all of us that all animals are sentient beings and we should consider not eating them--out of love and respect.

Dogs and trees are my favorite things on earth...then there's homemade pies...Tiny owls are the cutest ever but the two together are just awesome and the photography is out of this world. What a talent!

If only we humans could take our cues about love, responsibility, devotion, AND forgiveness from our animals, the world would certainly be a much better place...Ingo and Poldi are showing us how this is done..